The Bhagavad Gītā Course is a comprehensive study program designed to introduce learners to one of the most profound philosophical texts of the world—the Śrīmad Bhagavad Gītā. This course explores the Gītā not merely as a scripture, but as a timeless manual for ethical living, inner mastery, leadership, and spiritual clarity. Through structured lessons, guided discussions, and reflective practice, participants gain a deep understanding of the Gītā’s teachings and their relevance to contemporary life.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Understand the historical, cultural, and philosophical context of the Bhagavad Gītā
Analyze the 18 chapters thematically—karma, bhakti, jñāna, dharma, and yoga
Apply Gītā principles to personal decision‑making, leadership, and conflict resolution
Develop a disciplined approach to self‑reflection and inner growth
Appreciate the Gītā as a universal text transcending religious boundaries

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for:

Students of Indian philosophy and Sanskrit
Professionals seeking clarity, resilience, and ethical grounding
Spiritual practitioners exploring yoga, meditation, and dharma
Members of the global Indian diaspora reconnecting with heritage
Anyone interested in timeless wisdom for modern challenges

Note: Participants of the course are free to join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Sessions starting every Saturday at 9:30 AM (New York time) to Ask Questions related to the Course or any question on Hinduism from an Expert. This is free of cost.

Zoom Link: join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Session

Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3077 7352

Zoom Passcode: shantihi

Assessment is optional for those wishing to receive a Completion Certificate (about half our participants go for it). Assessment is based on quiz or an essay.
Quiz or Essays are usually due one week after the course ends. We encourage our tutors to assist where possible with extensions when needed.
Completion Certificates are awarded by Indian Foundation for Vedic Science on successful assessment
Please note that these are informal non-accredited courses to enhance efficiency in Vedic Studies. Some students have used them towards degree courses, yoga training, and even Masters degrees, but that was by individual arrangement.

Assessment details

Assessment type: Quiz
Total marks: 100
Pass percentage: 70%
Attempts allowed: 3
Duration: 60 min

Course

Bhagvad Gita

Bhagavad Gita Studies is a reflective learning practice centered on understanding the teachings of the sacred text Bhagavad Gita. It involves explori…

3 hrs/week ~84 hrs total

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Understand the historical, cultural, and philosophical context of the Bhagavad Gītā
Analyze the 18 chapters thematically—karma, bhakti, jñāna, dharma, and yoga
Apply Gītā principles to personal decision‑making, leadership, and conflict resolution
Develop a disciplined approach to self‑reflection and inner growth
Appreciate the Gītā as a universal text transcending religious boundaries

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for:

Students of Indian philosophy and Sanskrit
Professionals seeking clarity, resilience, and ethical grounding
Spiritual practitioners exploring yoga, meditation, and dharma
Members of the global Indian diaspora reconnecting with heritage
Anyone interested in timeless wisdom for modern challenges

Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Certified instructor

"Srimad Bhagvad Gita: A Vedic Scientific Scripture of Liberation" by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya. Indian Foundation for Vedic Science, Amazon Books USA, Available on all Amazon platforms.

Note: Participants of the course are free to join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Sessions starting every Saturday at 9:30 AM (New York time) to Ask Questions related to the Course or any question on Hinduism from an Expert. This is free of cost.

Zoom Link: join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Session

Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3077 7352

Zoom Passcode: shantihi

Assessment is optional for those wishing to receive a Completion Certificate (about half our participants go for it). Assessment is based on quiz or an essay.
Quiz or Essays are usually due one week after the course ends. We encourage our tutors to assist where possible with extensions when needed.
Completion Certificates are awarded by Indian Foundation for Vedic Science on successful assessment
Please note that these are informal non-accredited courses to enhance efficiency in Vedic Studies. Some students have used them towards degree courses, yoga training, and even Masters degrees, but that was by individual arrangement.

Assessment details

Assessment type: Quiz
Total marks: 100
Pass percentage: 70%
Attempts allowed: 3
Duration: 60 min

Topics

Arjuna's Dilemma: The Conflict Between Personal Attachment and National Duty Trial Duryodhana, concerned about the Pandava army’s strength, instructs his commanders to protect Bhishma. As the Kurukshetra War begins, Arjuna, overwhelmed with compassion, requests Krishna to position their chariot between the armies. Seeing his relatives and friends on both sides, Arjuna is filled with sorrow and doubt, questioning the morality of the war and the value of victory. Arjuna, overwhelmed with sorrow and compassion for his kinsmen, questions the righteousness of the war. He abandons his weapons, fearing the destruction of family values and the consequences of killing loved ones. Krishna advises Arjuna to fight for the nation’s safety and security, emphasizing the importance of duty over personal emotions and the need to eradicate destructive forces. Krishna emphasizes the nation’s survival and prosperity over personal attachments. Upholding dharma, securing the nation, and protecting vulnerable groups are paramount responsibilities.

Knowledge of Embodiment of Soul Krishna explains to Arjuna the eternal nature of the soul, emphasizing that the body is temporary and that Arjuna should perform his duty as a warrior without attachment to the results. He advises Arjuna to overcome his emotions and engage in battle, highlighting the importance of wisdom and detachment. Krishna emphasizes the superiority of buddhi-yoga (indifference to gain or loss) over kāmya karma (karma done with desire for material gain), ultimately leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Buddhi-yoga, a state of mind free from attachment and desire, leads to work efficiency and inner peace. Achieving this state involves purifying the mind, controlling the senses, and remaining indifferent to pleasure and pain. A person with a steady mind, characterized by self-satisfaction and tranquility, experiences oneness with the Supreme. Krishna teaches that self-realization and oneness with the Supreme are achieved through detachment, equanimity, and spiritual discipline.

Karma Yoga: The Method of Performing Nitya Karmas Without Attachment There are three types of karmas: nitya (obligatory), kāmya (personal desire), and niṣiddha (prohibited). Nitya karmas, essential for sustenance and spiritual upliftment, should be performed without attachment to avoid bondage and achieve self-realization. Yajna (sacrifice) is crucial for environmental preservation and sustenance, emphasizing the duty of individuals to perform their obligatory duties towards nature. The text emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s own dharma, even if inferior, over performing someone else’s. It highlights desire (kāma) as the root cause of anger and a major obstacle to wisdom, obscuring it like smoke obscures fire. To overcome desire, one must control their senses and recognize the power of the Ātmā, the most powerful entity. Desire, arising from rajo-guṇa, leads to attachment and obscures wisdom. Śri Krishna advises controlling senses, practicing self-discipline, and focusing on spiritual goals to overcome desire.

Jñāna Yoga: Self-Realisation, Brahma-Realisation, and the True Meaning of Saṁnyāsa Sri Krishna explains the true meaning of Sannyasa, emphasizing the abandonment of desire-driven actions (kāmya karmas) rather than all actions. He highlights the importance of yajna and efforts in achieving success, distinguishing between karmas and their fruits. Sri Krishna also discusses the classification of human beings into four varnas based on their karmas and the nature of their actions. Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gītā explores the nature of Saṁnyāsa, emphasizing the abandonment of kāmya karmas (actions driven by selfish desires) rather than complete inaction. Śri Krishna classifies karmas into Karma (prescribed actions), Vikarma (prohibited actions), and Akarma (selfless actions without attachment to results). He highlights Jñāna-yoga (the path of knowledge) as the supreme mystery, leading to self-realization and liberation. Yajñas, or sacrifices, aim for self-purification and divine connection. Jñāna Yajña, the sacrifice of ignorance through knowledge, is the highest form, leading to liberation.

Jñāna Yoga: The Many Forms of Yajña and the Supreme Power of Self-Realisation Sri Krishna advises Arjuna to fight the war for the nation’s interest, not for personal gain, as this exemplifies karma yoga. He emphasizes the superiority of karma yoga, performing actions without attachment to results, over renunciation of actions. Krishna explains that a true renunciant is one who performs actions without desire or hatred, achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Śri Krishna advises Arjuna to fight the war for the nation’s interest, emphasizing karma-yoga and selfless service. He distinguishes karma-yoga from karma-saṁnyāsa, highlighting the superiority of performing duties without attachment to results. Śri Krishna also defines a true saṁnyāsī, the relationship between Sāṅhkyā and Yoga, and the qualities of an enlightened person. Politicians should adopt a selfless approach to governance, focusing on national welfare and practicing karma-yoga to serve society genuinely.

Renunciation of Kāmya, Naimittika and Niṣiddha Karmas: The Path of Selfless Duty and Liberation This chapter emphasizes altruistic welfare as the highest form of yoga, urging Arjuna to transcend the ego and embrace the universal self. It highlights the importance of renouncing desires for action’s fruits and maintaining a balanced lifestyle for achieving true yoga and inner peace. The chapter also addresses the fate of unsuccessful yogis, assuring Arjuna that those who deviate from the path are not downgraded but are reborn in environments conducive to spiritual growth. The text discusses Dhyāna Yoga, emphasizing altruistic welfare as the highest form of yoga. It highlights the importance of universalizing the self, transcending personal interests for the greater good. The text also explores the concepts of sanskāras, the restless mind, and the path to liberation (mokṣa). Śri Krishna advises creating a calm, solitary environment for Dhyāna Yoga, focusing the mind, and withdrawing from external stimuli to achieve the ultimate goal of realizing the Self.

Dhyāna Yoga: Universalization of the Self and the Path of Altruistic Welfare Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gītā emphasize meditation as a means to expand individual consciousness into universal consciousness. True yoga and renunciation involve internal transformation, selfless action, and purification of mental impressions. The ultimate goal is to transcend individual selfishness and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings, elevating oneself through self-control and achieving a balanced state of being. Krishna explains that a yogī achieves stability and happiness by seeing equality in all beings and practicing meditation to purify the self. Yoga involves controlling desires, practicing moderation, and achieving a state of samādhi, where the mind becomes stable and focused. Even if a yogī doesn’t achieve perfection, their efforts are not lost, as positive impressions (sanskāras) are carried forward to future lives.

Jñāna–Vijñāna Yoga: From Correct Knowledge to Realisation of Universal Reality This chapter focuses on key spiritual terms like adhyātma, adhidaivata, adhibhūta, and adhiyajña, emphasizing their importance in achieving moksha. Sri Krishna explains that the dominant sanskāra at the time of death shapes the next life, and through meditation and devotion on Brahman and Om, one can attain liberation. The chapter also discusses the two eternal phases of life, enlightenment and non-enlightenment, and how a yogi, understanding these phases, remains undeluded and attains the Supreme Brahman. Śri Krishna explains the significance of Brahman, Adhyātma, Karma, Adhibhūta, Adhidaivata, and Adhiyajña. He emphasizes the importance of meditation, yoga, and devotion to attain mokṣa, highlighting the difference between yogīs and laymen in this pursuit. The time of death and the dominant mental state at that moment also influence one’s next life. Śri Krishna states that yogic realization, achieved through wisdom and disciplined practice, surpasses the temporary results of Yajnas etc.

Understanding Brahman, Self, Karma, Consciousness, and the Final State of Realisation The Eighth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gītā, Akṣara Brahma Yoga, explores the nature of existence and the path to liberation. Krishna defines key concepts like Brahman (the supreme, imperishable reality), Adhyātma (the individual self), and Karma (the process of creation). The chapter emphasizes the importance of meditation, the role of consciousness in determining future existence, and the ultimate goal of merging individual consciousness with the eternal Brahman.

Understanding Brahman, Knowledge, Realisation, and the Dissolution of Ahaṅkāra” Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita reveals the supreme knowledge of Brahman, distinguishing between jñāna (knowledge) and vijñāna (realization). Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains that while ordinary knowledge pertains to temporary objects, Brahma-vidyā deals with the permanent reality of Brahman. The chapter also explores the relationship between Brahman and creation, emphasizing that Brahman pervades all existence but remains beyond its limitations. Ahaṅkāra, the principle of individuality, is the root of separation and a barrier to Brahman-realisation. Brahman, the ultimate reality, is the cause behind all activities and remains unattached to creation. The chapter contrasts divine and material tendencies, highlighting the importance of knowledge, humility, and disciplined practice in realising Brahman. The chapter emphasizes that human limitation stems from individual identification, while liberation is achieved through realizing the supreme reality present in all existence.

Brahman as the Supreme Reality: The Origin, Sustainer, Witness, and Ultimate Goal of Existence” Śrī Kṛṣṇa describes Brahman as the ultimate destination and foundation of existence, encompassing all aspects of creation, dissolution, and sustenance. Brahman is the witness, shelter, and eternal friend, guiding individuals towards liberation. While mokṣa is attained through Brahma-realisation, it persists only until the end of the current creation cycle, lasting approximately 311 trillion years. Chapter 9 of the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the ultimate goal of complete realization of Brahman, not just temporary liberation. It explains that all forms of worship, sacrifices, and meditations ultimately lead to Brahman, and that sincere devotion, regardless of social status or past actions, is the key to attaining Brahman. The chapter concludes with the final instruction to fix the mind on Brahman, perform actions with Brahman in mind, and surrender oneself to Brahman. The ultimate reality is Brahman, the witness of all actions and the destination of seekers.

The Powers and Qualities of Brahman — Understanding Divine Attributes Through the Vision of a Brahma Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gītā, Vibhūti Yoga, explores the nature of Brahman, its relationship with creation, and the qualities through which it can be understood. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming excessive identification with individuality, represented by ahaṅkāra, to achieve Brahma-realisation. The chapter bridges philosophical knowledge and direct experience, highlighting Brahman’s beginningless nature and the universe’s dependence on its sustaining power.

Understanding the Principle of Specific Identity in Creation The tenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gītā explains the vibhūtis, or special qualities, through which the order of creation can be understood. Krishna describes how certain entities, principles, and qualities represent the highest expressions within their categories, serving as examples of Brahman’s order. The chapter emphasizes recognizing these highest expressions to understand the supreme principle behind existence.

Universal Form of Paramātman (Viśvarūpa Darśana) Arjuna, seeking to understand the universal reality, requests Śri Krishna to reveal the divine universal form. Śri Krishna grants Arjuna divine vision, allowing him to perceive the interconnectedness of all existence, governed by Brahman’s supreme intelligence. Arjuna witnesses the cosmic order, including divine beings and natural forces, operating under the eternal foundation of Brahman. Krishna grants Arjuna divine vision to perceive the universal form, revealing the cosmic order and the unity behind creation. Arjuna witnesses the infinite forms, divine qualities, and the brilliance of the universal form, likened to thousands of suns. This vision transforms Arjuna’s understanding, revealing the greatness of the cosmic order governed by Brahman. Arjuna’s vision reveals the power of natural forces and Brahman sustaining the cosmos, transforming his perspective to a cosmic one.

The Cosmic Vision of Universal Power and the Revelation of Time Arjuna witnesses Krishna’s universal form, revealing the interconnectedness of all existence governed by Brahman. This vision showcases the cosmic order, powers, and qualities of Brahman, including the consuming power of time. Krishna explains that Arjuna should act as an instrument of this cosmic order, performing his duty with devotion to achieve true realization.

The Path of Devotion: The Role of Guidance, Spiritual Practice, and Qualities of a True Seeker Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gītā, Bhakti Yoga, discusses two paths to spiritual realization: devotion to Śri Krishna and independent meditation on the unmanifest Brahman. Śri Krishna emphasizes that while both paths lead to the same goal, devotion guided by an enlightened teacher is easier and more practical for embodied beings. The chapter also outlines the qualities of a true devotee, including compassion, discipline, equanimity, and dedication to the welfare of all beings.

The Distinction Between Body and Soul — Understanding Kṣetra and Kṣetrajña In the thirteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gītā, Śri Krishna explains the distinction between kṣetra (the body) and kṣetrajña (the soul), emphasizing the soul’s role as the knower of the field. He describes the body as a field where karmic impressions manifest and highlights the soul’s connection to universal consciousness. Śri Krishna further elaborates on the nature of the field, its components, and the relationship between the body, individual soul, and Supreme Consciousness. Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita explains that true knowledge involves developing qualities like humility, self-control, and detachment. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations of worldly existence and seeking the eternal. The Supreme Brahman, the ultimate object of knowledge, is described as all-pervading, beyond the senses, and the source of all creation. True knowledge involves understanding the relationship between the body, soul, and Brahman.

Distinction Between Body and Soul (Kṣetra and Kṣetrajña) — The Nature of Prakṛti, Puruṣa, and Libera Śri Krishna explains the relationship between Prakṛti (material nature) and Puruṣa (soul), highlighting their beginningless nature and the role of the three guṇas (sattva, rajas, tamas) in influencing rebirth. The soul, as the witness, supporter, and experiencer, is distinct from the body and its actions. Understanding the difference between the soul and the body leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Bhagavad Gita explains various paths to realizing the Supreme Reality, including meditation, philosophical understanding, and selfless action. It emphasizes the importance of guidance from spiritual teachers and the unity of all beings in the Supreme Being. The text also describes the nature of the soul, the role of Prakṛti in actions, and the illuminating power of Brahman. Chapter 13 emphasizes understanding the difference between the temporary body and the eternal soul. Recognizing the soul’s true nature leads to liberation, while attachment to the body results in repeated birth.

Understanding the Three Guṇas Chapter 14 of the Bhagavad Gita, “The Yoga of Classifying the Three Guṇas,” explains how the three guṇas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—bind the soul to the material world. Sattva leads to spiritual happiness, Rajas to action, and Tamas to inaction. To attain mokṣa, one must rise above these guṇas by recognizing that actions are performed by the body-system under their influence.

Rising Above the Three Guṇas Chapter 14 explains how Prakṛti (matter) operates through three guṇas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—and how these guṇas bind the imperishable soul to different bodies and experiences. Sattva is pure, illuminating, and peaceful. It produces clarity and knowledge but binds through the desire for comfort and learning. Rajas arises from desire and attachment. It produces restlessness, activity, and passion, binding the soul through karmic involvement. Tamas arises from ignorance. It produces delusion, laziness, negligence, and inability to distinguish real from unreal. The chapter describes how each guṇa influences rebirth: Dying in Sattva leads to birth among enlightened human beings. Dying in Rajas leads to birth among humans attached to worldly actions. Dying in Tamas leads to birth in lower species such as animals, birds, insects, and plants. Krishna explains that the fruits of actions also differ: Sāttvika actions yield pure results. Rājasika actions yield suffering. Tāmasika actions yield ignorance.

The Cosmic Aśvattha Tree and the Journey Beyond Chapter 15 of the Gītā, Puruṣottama‑Yoga, describes the material world as an inverted Aśvattha tree rooted in Brahman. The tree’s branches represent the sensory objects, nourished by the three guṇas, and its roots are karmic impressions. Liberation from the material world and union with Brahman come through detachment, self-knowledge, and absorption in the Supreme.

Brahman as the Supreme Spirit Chapter 15 of the Gītā, Puruṣottama‑Yoga, describes Brahman’s presence in the cosmos, nature, and living beings. Brahman is the light in celestial bodies, sustains the earth, nourishes plants, and resides as the digestive fire and source of knowledge. Beyond the perishable and imperishable, Brahman is the Supreme Spirit, transcending all and known as Puruṣottama.

Daivī and Āsurī Qualities — The Two Paths of Human Nature Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita explains two fundamental human tendencies: Daivī (divine/spiritualistic) and Āsurī (demoniac/materialistic). Daivī qualities lead to mokṣa (liberation), while Āsurī qualities lead to bondage and downfall. Śri Krishna identifies lust, anger, and greed as the three forces that drag humans downward and emphasizes the importance of conquering them to preserve human birth and attain mokṣa.

The Two Human Tendencies — Daivī and Āsurī Qualities Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita contrasts divine (Daivī) and materialistic (Āsurī) qualities, highlighting how Daivī qualities lead to liberation (mokṣa) while Āsurī qualities lead to a downward spiral into lower species. Śri Krishna warns that lust, anger, and greed are the three gates to Naraka, and emphasizes the importance of following scriptural injunctions for attaining mokṣa and happiness.

The Threefold Nature of Śraddhā, Food, Yajña, Austerity, and Charity Śraddhā, a positive attitude shaped by one’s sanskāras, manifests in three forms: Sāttvikī, Rājasī, and Tāmasī. These forms influence worship, food, yajña, austerity, and charity, reflecting an individual’s personality. By refining tendencies, one can transform their personality and align with the highest path.

Mokṣa through Renunciation Renunciation (Saṁnyāsa) is performing duties without selfish motives, while abandonment (Tyāga) is renouncing the fruits of actions. True renunciation, or Sāttvika Tyāga, involves performing obligatory duties without attachment, leading to purification and mokṣa. The path to mokṣa is through selfless action, guided by Sāttvika wisdom, and understanding the five causative factors behind every action.

Nature of Karma, Kartā, Buddhi, Dhṛti, Sukha, and Varṇa

The Final Path to Brahma‑Realisation Krishna explains to Arjuna the path to liberation, emphasizing the importance of self-realization, Brahma-realization, and devotion to Brahman. He outlines the necessary qualities, including a purified intellect, solitude, and detachment from desires. Krishna assures Arjuna that by dedicating all actions to Him and seeking His refuge, one can attain eternal moksha.

Course Objectives

Who This Course Is For

Indian Foundation of Vedic Science

Note: Participants of the course are free to join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Sessions starting every Saturday at 9:30 AM (New York time) to Ask Questions related to the Course or any question on Hinduism from an Expert. This is free of cost.

Zoom Link: join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Session

Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3077 7352

Zoom Passcode: shantihi

Assessment details

Bhagvad Gita

Course Objectives

Who This Course Is For

Indian Foundation of Vedic Science

Note: Participants of the course are free to join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Sessions starting every Saturday at 9:30 AM (New York time) to Ask Questions related to the Course or any question on Hinduism from an Expert. This is free of cost.

Zoom Link: join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Session

Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3077 7352

Zoom Passcode: shantihi

Assessment details

Topics

Bhagvad Gita (IFVS) course

Course Objectives

Who This Course Is For

Indian Foundation of Vedic Science

Note: Participants of the course are free to join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Sessions starting every Saturday at 9:30 AM (New York time) to Ask Questions related to the Course or any question on Hinduism from an Expert. This is free of cost.

Zoom Link: join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Session

Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3077 7352

Zoom Passcode: shantihi

Assessment details

Bhagvad Gita

Course Objectives

Who This Course Is For

Indian Foundation of Vedic Science

Note: Participants of the course are free to join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Sessions starting every Saturday at 9:30 AM (New York time) to Ask Questions related to the Course or any question on Hinduism from an Expert. This is free of cost.

Zoom Link: join Live Zoom Saturday Discussion Session

Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3077 7352

Zoom Passcode: shantihi

Assessment details

Topics